Dubai: Friends and colleagues of the former chancellor of the University of Sharjah, Dr Esmail Bin Mohammad Al Beshri, expressed their condolences over the loss of his five children in a car accident on March 29.
The accident took place in Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia when Al Beshri and his family were on the way back after vacationing in the UAE.
According to an Arabic newspaper, a truck collided with the car carrying his five children, causing their death on March 29.
Al Beshri lost three sons and two daughters. Mohammad, 19, was studying to become a doctor; Ahmad, 18, was studying in high school; Sultan, 10, was in school; Abrar, 21, and Afnaan, 21, were both studying in university.
Al Beshri who is currently the Chancellor of the University of Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia, was in the car behind his deceased children along with his wife and two other daughters. Once they were pronounced dead, Al Beshri suffered from a nervous breakdown and was taken to hospital.
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, offered his condolences personally in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Gulf News spoke to colleagues of Al Beshri from the University of Sharjah who all said they were shocked by the news.
“The whole university was taken by surprise with the news,” said Professor Humaid Al Nuami, Acting Chancellor of the University of Sharjah.
“The news was truly harsh. He was a respected man on a personal and academic level, he was a friend and he truly has my utmost condolences.”
Al Nuami said the university sent a delegation to attend the funeral in Saudi Arabia to express their sorrow and sympathy on behalf of the whole university.
Al Beshri’s former secretary, Mohammad Farajallah, said he knew his sons personally and was devastated by the news.
“He was like a big brother to me, and his sons were like my brothers. I knew them personally. The news was truly devastating, not just for me but the whole university. May God give him patience to overcome his loss.”
Qasim Al Khaldi, Director of Libraries at the university, said Al Beshri will remain in his prayers and the prayers of all the university faculty.
“I have children and I just can’t imagine what he is going through. May God be with him. He was a great man who left a mark on the university. Everyone in the university was devastated by the news. We all share in his grief as parents and friends.”
